ˈvælju: n. & v. --n. 1
the worth, desirability, or
utility of a
thing, or the qualities on
which these depend (the value of
regular exercise). 2 worth as estimated;
valuation (set a
high value on my time). 3 the
amount of
money or goods
for which a thing can be exchanged in the
open market; purchasing
power. 4 the
equivalent of a thing;
what represents or is represented by or
may be substituted for a thing (paid
them the value of
their lost property). 5 (in full value for money)
something well worth the money
spent. 6 the
ability of a thing to
serve a
purpose or
cause an
effect (news value;
nuisance value). 7 (in pl.) one's principles or standards; one's
judgement of what is
valuable or
important in
life. 8 Mus. the
duration of the
sound signified by a
note. 9
Math. the amount denoted by an algebraic
term or
expression. 10 (foll. by of) a the
meaning (of a
word etc.). b the
quality (of a
spoken sound). 11 the
relative rank or
importance of a
playing-card, chess-piece,
etc.,
according to the rules of the game. 12 the
relation of
one part of a
picture to others in
respect of
light and shade; the part
being characterized by a
particular tone. 13
Physics & Chem. the
numerical measure of a
quantity or a
number denoting
magnitude on
some conventional scale (the value of
gravity at the equator). --v.tr. (values, valued, valuing) 1
estimate the value
of;
appraise (esp. professionally) (valued the
property at ø200,000). 2
have a high or specified
opinion of;
attach importance to (a valued friend). øvalue added
tax a tax on the amount by which the value of an
article has been increased at
each stage of
its production. value judgement a
subjective estimate of quality etc. value received money or its equivalent
given for a bill of
exchange. [ME f. OF, fem.
past part. of valoir be worth f. L valere]
